What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is primarily characterized as a demyelinating disorder. This means that it is associated with the damage to the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS). In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks this myelin, leading to a range of neurological symptoms due to disrupted communication between the brain and the rest of the body. The process of demyelination causes scar tissue (sclerosis) to form, which is where the name "multiple sclerosis" originates.

As a demyelinating disorder, the disease can result in various symptoms, including vision problems, muscle weakness, coordination and balance issues, and cognitive difficulties. Understanding MS as a demyelinating disorder helps frame the nature of the disease and the physiological processes involved, emphasizing the central role of myelin in maintaining healthy nervous system function.